I never wanted to be Zimbabwe's president: Mugabe

Robert Mugabe claims that he never wanted to be president of Zimbabwe, despite holding onto the position for more than three decades.

Mugabe has led the country since independence in 1980.

According to www.newzimbabwe.com, 91-year-old Mugabe has indicated that he will represent Zanu PF at the next general elections scheduled for 2018.

At one of his birthday parties, Mugabe said that he was a reluctant leader.

"I was just one of the leaders. I never joined the struggle because I wanted one day to be Prime Minister, no, but I joined the struggle to play my part as prescribed by the party, first publicity secretary and as we moved from NDP, ZAPU, I was still publicity secretary right through," he said.

"I refused right up to the end even after getting out (of prison) we negotiated for those who had been arrested to be released and released before the Geneva Conference and I was still that.

"And when they were released I was still secretary general. My argument was, well the president can only be appointed by the people, but in 1977 we had that meeting in Chimoio, I accepted on one condition that we will get a verdict from the people as soon as we get back home. But I was just playing my part," he said.